Voices of the Bar 9/22/16: What Is the Most Unique Way a New Client Has Heard About You?

Posted September 22, 2016

In the coming weeks, the BBA will host several programs where experts will discuss marketing strategies and resources for attorneys. In the 21st century, it’s increasingly within reach for lawyers to build their own brand. However, there is always the old adage that word of mouth represents the best form of advertising – and we think there’s something to be said for that, too.

For this week’s “Voices of the Bar” column, we’re reaching out to ask:

“What is the most unique way a new client has heard about your practice?“

Jacquelyn Redmond – J. Redmond Law PC“I represent clients in their home purchase and sales. I had a client who owned his own hair salon. He was chatting with one of his customers while cutting their hair. The topic turned to home buying. My client told his customer about me and recommended me. I ended up helping my client’s customer buy his first home the next month. It is so rewarding to be referred by past clients and fun when the connection comes about in unexpected ways.”

Gayle Stone-Turesky – Stone, Stone & Creem“My mother, Ida Stone, graduated law school in the 30’s when there were five women in her class. She started our practice with my father, Jacob. Our firm concentrates in family law and my mother would often network at the supermarket and the bakery. It was not unusual for a client to call for a consultation and tell us that they met a woman lawyer at the bakery who recommended our firm. I don’t believe that my mother realized it at the time but she was developing the “old girls” network.”

Jamy Buchanan Madeja – Buchanan & Associates “Twenty years ago, diving for abalone in the Pacific Ocean, I nearly drowned and, incongruously, discussed my environmental law practice back in Massachusetts with my rescuer on the flailing swim back. Still a client and close friend.”

Kristen Scammon – Torres, Scammon, Hincks & Day “The vast majority of my new clients are referred to me by other attorneys, many of whom I have known since law school (20 years ago). While this is a fairly traditional path to obtaining clients, I can safely say that my law school classmates who refer clients to me are definitely unique and interesting!”

Ellen Kief – Law Office of Ellen S. Kief “I was on a bicycle trip crossing with a team of riders round-trip from US to Canada. Some folks had questions about passports and entry. Speaking French to the officer at the crossing, no one understood what was going on, and we had a fun time of it. Folks soon realized I practice U.S. immigration law and asked for my contact information. Thankfully, no immigration work was necessary at that time, but I did get some referrals!”

Zoe Zhang-Louie – Zhang-Louie Immigration Counsel “The most interesting way that I made a connection was through LinkedIn. I have in my short introduction under my profile picture that I am a Business Immigration Attorney. I was going through adding almost everyone that came up as suggested connections. Recently, an international business owner, with whom I connected through this method, actually sent a message to me. Though this has not yet resulted in paying clients, I am optimistic that it will in the future.”

If you would like to respond to a future Voices of the Bar, make sure you send aheadshot, and contact Lauren DiTullio at [email protected].